On this page, I have set out to articulate my design point of view. Of course, nothing can replace a good old fashioned conversation, and I invite you to reach out. Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to speaking with you.
– Robert Trotman, ASID
Art is the layer of design that most defines a wonderful space.
I like how art can completely transform a space. Without art, a space can feel empty. I’m always amazed how a room full of newly installed furniture can still feel flat and lifeless until the art is installed on the walls. It’s truly magical. In every home I design, I try to make art the focal point.
Original art by: Richard Erdman, Miro, and Lee Kelly. Antiques: Lalique vase, 18th century Japanese screen
Helping to choose art is a matter of learning what appeals to you, then tapping into my relationships with galleries and artists to help find the right pieces for your home. I often find myself working with clients who don’t yet have much art and look to me to help them find beautiful pieces. Of course, I'm just as able to help those who have an existing collection or who may simply need a piece or two to complete a given space.
I sometimes arrange custom art commissions. I have commissioned two large wall installations by Dale Chihuly, as well as several other site specific glass commissions by local artists. I have relationships with numerous local art galleries and am very familiar with many of their artists.
Commissioned glass installation by Dale Chihuly. Antique: 18th century Japanese screen. Sculpture by Manuel Izquierdo
In addition to art, I like beautiful rugs, pillows, and fabrics, which can be works of art in themselves. On table tops I like to place interesting objects, and I like to fill a room with beautiful books. Often we will add plants to soften a room and add life. I’m particularly fond of orchids as they are easy to care for. I tend to keep the furnishings quite edited, as I always want the art in the room to shine.
I also often design custom pieces of furniture and cabinetry, as well as rugs for a space. For instance, in the room below, we designed the pool table to bring an art deco aesthetic to the space. We designed the entertainment center with pocket doors to maintain a quiet elegance. And we designed a mahogany coffered ceiling to hide two awkward structural beams.
My most important job as a designer is to ask good questions, then interpret the answers.
I’m very intuitive, and through visiting your home, speaking with you, and observing your reactions, I learn what you need your space to do for you and how you want to feel in your home. For example, perhaps you need a more formal space for entertaining, or perhaps you need your space to be multi functional for when your grandchildren visit. Perhaps you are drawn to modern art, or perhaps you have a more traditional taste. There are hundreds of details about you and your space that, when considered together, point to a design that will work well for you.
I like the process of transformation: to take a space and make it all it can be, to reflect who you are – and most of all – to be artful, functional, comfortable, and inviting.